Chapter 4

Emeryville's standpoint

“Where am I? What's happening?” the words tumbled from my lips, my voice hoarse and barely above a whisper.

Silence greeted me, broken only by my ragged breathing. I forced my heavy eyelids open, blinking rapidly to adjust to the dim light. My heart hammered as I took in my surroundings—a dark, grimy room with oppressive stone walls. A single barred window let in a silver of moonlight, casting eerie shadows across the floors.

Cold, damp air clung to my skin. The smell of earth and rusted metal filled my nostrils, making me gag. My head pounded mercilessly, and I couldn't remember how I'd ended up here. Panic clawed at my throat as the reality of my situation sank in.

I tried to move, but rope a bit into my wrists and angles. A whisper escaped me before I could stifle it. Flashes of memories assaulted me-the woods, haunting howls, then… darkness.

“Hello?” I called out, my voice quavering. “Is anyone there?”

Only silence answered. I swallowed hard, fighting back tears, I couldn't afford to break down. I needed to stay strong, to find a way out of this nightmare.

Footsteps crunched on the gravel outside. My muscles tensed, bracing for whatever-or whoever-was about to enter.

The door created open. A figure stepped in, his imposing silhouette radiating danger. As he moved closer, I made out his features. Dark, wild eyes bore into mind, a cruel smirk playing on his lips. My stomach lurched as recognition hit.

Alpha Sawyer.

The ruthless Alpha of a rogue pack feared across the territory. His reputation as a savage, merciless Alpha made my heart race. But there was something unsettlingly familiar about him that couldn't place.

His eyes narrowed as he approached, his presence suffocating in the small room. “so you've finally joined the land of the living,” he drawled, his voice low and gravelly. “I was starting to wonder if you were worth the trouble.”

I steeled myself, determined not to show fear. “What do you want?” I demanded, my voice shaky but defiant.

He tilted his head, studying me like a predator assessing its prey. “You're not like the others,” he murmured. “There is something different about you. Something familiar.” He circled me slowly, his eyes gleaming with curiosity and suspicion.

“I don't know what you're talking about,” I spat, injecting as much venom into my voice as possible. But inside, I was trembling. Every step he took sent a fresh wave of fear through me.

He stopped in front of me, leaning down until our faces were inches apart. His hot breath fanned across my skin, carrying the scent of lavender and something wilder. “Don't lie to me, little wolf,” he growled. “You reek of rejection. I can smell it on you.” His voice dropped lower, sending chills down my spine. “Who rejected you?”

The mention of rejection stung. My heart twisted painfully at the thought of Damien. His rejection still felt fresh, like an open wound that refused to heal. I couldn't bear to speak his name, not here, not to this man. I clenched my jaw, my gaze hardening as I met his intense stare. “That's none of your business.”

Amusement flickered in his eyes, but there was a dangerous edge to his smile. “Feisty, aren't you?” He leaned back slightly, crossing his arms over his chest. “You're in my territory now. Everything is my business.”

I glared at him, summoning every ounce of courage I possessed. “I'm not telling you anything.”

His smile faded, replaced by something darker and more menacing. “You think oh have a choice?” He questioned, his tone deceptively casual. “I could rip you apart right here if I wanted to.” The threat hung heavy in the air between us. “But there's something about you… something that makes me think you're worth keeping alive. For now.”

He stepped back, his eyes never leaving mine. “Here's the deal, little wolf. You tell me who rejected you, or…" His gaze sharpened, and the corners of his mouth twitched upward. “You accept me and my brother as your second chance mates.”

My breath caught in my throat. Second chance mates? A wave of confusion and revulsion wasted through me. This rogue—this savage Alpha—demanding to take Damien's place? My mind reeled at the thought.

“You heard me,” he said, his voice low and cold. “Name your rejector, or you become ours. The choice is yours.”

“Why would I do that? Why do you think I would want to be with someone like you?”

“Oh!” He whined in a singsong tone, the smile on his face not reaching his eyes. “I guess you must have felt it too late, or perhaps the shock made you forget…"

“That what?” I snapped, my heart pounding with curiosity.

“That you're mated to my brother and me!”

My heart pounded so hard I thought it might burst. This can't be happening. Why would I get a second chance mate so soon? And I didn't just get one mate but two?