Burning Gaze.

Rhea's POV.

"Come on, I'll take you to your room." Dax offered as he stretched his hand toward me with a smile.

I took it, feeling warm and welcomed by him. But just as we were still going into the mansion, from behind, Alpha Damon snatched me away from Dax, who was shocked.

"I warned you, didn't I?" He growled fiercely as he kept dragging me, not minding if I could walk straight.

A few seconds ago, he was all protective and caring, holding me close to himself, but right now, I don't understand him. Why was he harsh all of a sudden?

Dax met up, holding my other hand to stop Alpha Damon. "Where are you taking her to?" he questioned.

"Let go of her! She's my Luna and I'll do with her however I please!" He emitted bluntly, my eyes growing moist with unspeakable fear.

"She's my Luna too, and the last thing I'm going to let you do is hurt her!" Dax let out as he dragged me, trying to get me away from Damon.

"You leave me no choice, Dax." He grumbled. "Guards!"

Immediately, two men rushed toward our direction.

"Get a hold of him. Don't let go until I say so!"

They nodded, and before Dax could stop them, they had gotten a hold of him. Alpha Damon dragged me further until we arrived before a door.

He pushed it open, the door creaking slowly and filling me with dread as he pushed me into the room.

"Kneel!" His voice was sharp and cold—no room for argument.

I had no choice. My knees hit the cold floor, and a chill ran straight through me, making my skin crawl with fear.

Alpha Damon strode over to the table, every step heavy and sure, like the weight of the world followed him.

His hand reached out, grabbing the objects on the table. His voice dropped low, rough and dangerous. "What were the rules I gave you, Rhea?"

I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly dry and tight. Words stuck inside me, refusing to come out.

"I asked you a question!" His voice snapped, breaking the silence.

Without warning, he flung a sharp dagger toward me. My eyes widened in terror. The blade sliced through the air just inches from my ear, the cold whistle echoing like a warning.

"Don't move a single inch." His warning was deadly serious. "I won't ask again. What rules did I give you?"

He held a second golden dagger tightly in his hand, eyes burning with danger.

I stared at him, frozen—heart pounding like thunder.

I felt tears well up in my eyes as I knelt still, my fingers clenching tightly on my dress as I spoke, "Never leave the pack without my mates." My voice was shaky and unsteady, but I had to speak.

Not speaking meant death.

"So…" he began to walk towards me, "What did you do?" His every step echoed in the hall, sending a growing sense of terror inside me.

"I… I left the pack," I whispered, my voice trembling.

His eyes darkened like a storm as he suddenly lunged forward. Strong hands wrapped around my neck, lifting me off the cold floor. It wasn't meant to choke me—no, it was a warning. A reminder of his power.

"What do I do with you, Peach?" His gruff voice rumbled close to my ear, each word heavy and dangerous. His breath was hot, brushing my skin like fire. "What punishment should I give you?"

Before I could even think, the doors slammed open with a crash.

Dax stormed in, his face fierce and filled with fury.

"Enough, Brother!" he shouted.

He charged towards Alpha Damon and pushed him away from me. I fell to the ground, coughing as I rubbed my neck gently.

"You will end up scaring and pushing her away from us. She is our mate." With that, Dax helped me up and took me out of the hall.

My legs felt wobbly, but with him by my side, I could walk properly. Once we got to the living room, he directed me to take a seat on the couch. Tears filled my eyes.

"Why does he hate me so much?" I questioned, but Dax shook his head.

Cupping my cheek, he whispered softly, "He doesn't. Trust me. We love you. Just see this as Damon being jealous."

"Jealous?" I muttered.

"Enough with this… let me see your hand."

I took out my hand, and that's when I noticed that I had even sustained injuries earlier.

"This will sting a bit." Dax took out a powder and sprinkled it on my wrist.

I winced sharply, the slight pain sending signals to my brain. He caressed my hand gently, blowing on it to cool it down.

Why was he different? I wondered as I began to admire him. My heart raced rapidly as he stared at me with doe eyes. It felt like I was the only one he could see in his universe. I felt like home with him.

"Be careful not to fall for me." He mumbled sweetly, snapping me out of my trance.

"I… I'm not…"

He laughed, and that's when I saw a flicker of amusement in his eyes. He was teasing me.

"Don't do that again." I smiled softly.

Just then, he paused, his eyes fixed on me.

"Is there something on my face?" I checked, but there was nothing.

He shook his head, his hand reaching for my cheek as he cupped it. "I love it when you smile, Peach… it warms my soul."

My heart raced not from fear this time but for Dax Blackthorn. I was falling for him uncontrollably.

I cleared my throat to ease the tension between us. He continued with my wrist. At that moment, I recalled the situation I had just escaped.

"Who was that man back there?"

"Him? Just some troublemaker. He's the Rogue Alpha, by the way. Alpha Marcus." Dax responded nonchalantly as he focused on my injury.

"He kept on saying that I've lived before. I died and now I'm someone else. Why?"

Immediately, I could sense it, Dax's hesitance as he held my wrist.

"Dax?"

"It's nothing." He continued. "Ignore whatever he said to you."

"But I can't. I need to understand why he kept talking that way. Have I been reborn or something?"

Dax lifted his face to look at me, his eyes searching mine. "Listen to me, Peach. The truth is, you are a…"

Just as he was going to let out, Draven's voice, firm and steady, echoed through the room, "That's enough for tonight."

He walked closer, his eyes hovering at my wrist with pity before they met my eyes. "Return to your room." he demanded, but Dax refused.

"We were just having a conversation, Draven."

"One that could ruin it all." Draven snapped at his brother. "Now go back to your room, Rhea!"

Dax held my hand protectively. "No, she's going nowhere." My eyes widened in shock.

"And who do you think you are to have a say?" Draven trudged closer to Dax.

"I'm her mate. She's my Luna. I decide her actions!" He let out bluntly without fear.

Seeing how the two brothers glared at each other, I had no other choice but to listen to Draven. With my hand touching Dax gently, I pulled out of his grip.

"I'll return to my room now." With a brief nod, I turned on my heels and left.

Dax called on me, but I didn't turn around. I walked straight to my room, my curiosity still lingering in my head.

As I was still heading forward, I couldn't help but catch the cold, unreadable gaze of Alpha Damon in his study, watching my every move.

I paused briefly, his gaze becoming intense, stopping me from breathing for a while before I regained myself. Without hesitation, I ran into my room, slamming the door behind my back in terror.

"I guess I won't be able to escape for now." My chest rose and fell instinctively.