I stared at the message on my phone for what felt like an eternity, Xavier’s words burning into my mind: “We’re not done, Alyssa. You belong to me.”
It wasn’t just a threat-it was a promise. I could feel the weight of it settle over my shoulders like a cold shroud. I knew I was in too deep, tangled between two men who were both as dangerous as they were alluring. And I had no idea who I could trust.
When the knock came at the motel door, my heart leaped into my throat. I moved slowly, grabbing the same metal lamp I’d used earlier.
“Who is it?” I called, hoping my voice didn’t betray my fear.
“It’s me,” a familiar voice answered. Low, smooth, and edged with danger.
Xavier.
I unlocked the door, every muscle in my body screaming not to, and cracked it open just enough to see his face. He wore a black coat that fit too well, like it had been tailored to match the sleek, dangerous energy radiating off him.
“You shouldn’t be here,” I whispered, glancing over my shoulder toward the empty parking lot.
Xavier smirked, stepping forward until the door pressed against my hand. “You’re in over your head, Alyssa. And it’s time you learned the truth.”
I let him inside, though my instincts warned me that letting the wolf in wouldn’t end well. Xavier strolled into the tiny room like he owned it, his sharp gaze taking in every detail-the creaky bed, the flickering light, the uneaten sandwich on the desk.
“You think you’re safe with Ethan?” he said, turning to face me. His eyes were dark, but not cold-more like the shadows that lurk just out of sight, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
I crossed my arms, trying to keep my composure. “Ethan’s helped me more than you ever have.”
Xavier’s laugh was low and dangerous, as if I’d said something absurd. “Helped you?” He leaned closer, his voice a velvet threat. “Ethan doesn’t help people. He owns them.”
His words slithered into my mind, planting seeds of doubt I didn’t want to water.
“What are you talking about?” I demanded, my voice sharper than I felt.
Xavier’s gaze softened-just a little-and for the first time, I saw something that looked like regret flicker across his face. “Ethan is not who you think he is, Alyssa. Everything he does is calculated. Controlled. You’re not just some girl he’s helping out of kindness. You’re his next move in a very dangerous game.”
I shook my head, unwilling to believe it. “You’re lying. You’re just trying to turn me against him.”
Xavier’s expression hardened. “You think so? Ask yourself this-what do you really know about Ethan? His past? His family? Why he’s so interested in you?”
I hated how his words twisted inside me, tightening the knots of doubt that had already begun to form. I wanted to argue, to tell him he was wrong. But the truth was, I didn’t know much about Ethan. Not really. And that scared me more than I wanted to admit.
Just as Xavier stepped closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper, the door burst open.
Ethan strode in, his presence filling the room like a thunderstorm. His sharp blue eyes locked onto Xavier with an intensity that made the air crackle between them.
“What the hell are you doing here?” Ethan growled, his tone deadly.
Xavier didn’t flinch, the corner of his mouth curling into a smug smile. “Just telling Alyssa the truth. Something you seem incapable of.”
Ethan took a step forward, and for a moment, I thought he might actually hit him. “Get out, Xavier. Now.”
Xavier ignored him, his gaze flicking back to me. “You see? This is what he does. Controls every situation. Every person.”
“Alyssa.” Ethan’s voice cut through the tension like a blade. “We’re leaving. Now.”
I stood frozen, caught between two powerful forces pulling me in opposite directions. Ethan’s gaze softened when he looked at me, but there was a desperation in his eyes that I hadn’t seen before.
“You don’t have to listen to him, Alyssa,” Xavier murmured. “He’ll only use you. Just like he uses everyone else.”
“Enough!” Ethan barked, his voice sharp. “Alyssa, pack your things. We’re leaving.”
I stared at him, my heart pounding. Every part of me screamed to run-to leave both of them behind and disappear. But I knew that wasn’t an option. Not anymore.
“Why should I go with you?” I whispered, my voice trembling with doubt.
Ethan’s jaw clenched, but there was a flicker of something vulnerable in his gaze. “Because I’m trying to keep you safe.”
“And what if he’s right?” I asked, gesturing toward Xavier. “What if you’re just using me?”
Ethan’s eyes darkened, and for the first time, I saw the cracks in his perfect mask. “It’s not like that, Alyssa.”
Xavier chuckled softly, the sound low and dangerous. “You see? Even now, he won’t tell you the truth.”
I turned to Xavier, frustration boiling over. “And what truth is that, huh? What exactly do you want from me?”
Xavier’s smile was slow and predatory. “I want you to see things for what they are. Ethan isn’t your savior, Alyssa. He’s just another wolf in disguise.”
I shook my head, every thought swirling in a chaotic storm. I had no idea who to trust, and it felt like both men were dragging me deeper into a world I didn’t belong in.
Ethan stepped closer, his hand reaching for mine. “Alyssa, please. If you stay here, you’ll be in danger. You don’t understand what Xavier is capable of.”
“And what about you?” I whispered, pulling my hand away. “What are you capable of?”
Ethan’s expression tightened, but he didn’t answer. And that silence spoke louder than any words could have.
The room felt impossibly small, the tension so thick it was suffocating. I could feel both men watching me, waiting for me to make a choice.
Ethan reached out again, his voice low and urgent. “Alyssa, please. Come with me.”
For a moment, I hesitated, my heart caught between the familiar pull of Ethan’s charm and the dangerous allure of Xavier’s promises.
And then I heard the words that shattered the fragile thread of my trust.
“You don’t belong to him,” Xavier said, his voice soft but unwavering. “You belong to me.”
The weight of those words crashed over me, leaving me breathless and paralyzed.
Ethan’s hand tightened around mine, his eyes blazing with something darker than concern. “We’re leaving. Now.”
But I stood frozen, torn between the two men-and the truth that neither of them was telling me.