Ashley’s POV
“Let’s go take a ride on the Devil’s Spin!” I exclaimed, grasping Steven’s arm and towing him across to the crazy ride at the edge of the amusement park.
“You said it was going to be the last, a horse ride!” Steven complained; his voice told of exasperation.
“Yeah, maybe I did,” I replied with a wry smile. “But I am not an Alpha bound by keeping my promises. I’m but a fragile human, and this breaking of promises is pretty much my prerogative. And so, it would be Devil’s Spin! ”
Steven sighed deep. “You really ought to thank the goddess that you’re bonded to me.”
I turned to him, my face alight with playful curiosity. “What if I wasn’t bonded to you? What would have happened then?”
He smirked, an edge of seriousness under his teasing tone. “Let’s just say it would’ve been a very different story-one that definitely wouldn’t have ended in your favor.”
I tittered, “Then I really should thank the goddess I’m your mate! But first, let’s conquer the Devil’s Spin.” And before he could argue more, I took his arm tight and pulled him towards the ride.
We belted up and, well, the thing started off at an excellent, slow pace, but then within seconds, the velocity ramped way up, and I was literally hanging on to the safety bar for dear life.
“Ahhh!” I screamed, my voice barely audible over the roar of the ride. Beside me, Steven sat perfectly still, his expression unruffled.
When it finally stopped, I stumbled out of my seat, barely keeping my feet. My vision blurred, my knees buckled, and if it wasn’t for Steven’s strong arms coming just in time, I would have been a heap on the ground.
“I’m sorry,” I muttered, leaning into him. “I’m just feeling a little dizzy.”
He raised one eyebrow, steady holding me firm with one firm hand on my arm and one tight around my waist. “Such a weak little human,” he said with his mocking overtones.
“Don’t call me feeble!” I snarled, still grasping him for support. “I’m just dizzy because of the ride.”
“And who actually insisted on that ride, hmm?” he replied smugly.
“Shut up, will you? Just don’t let me go and don’t move for a minute.”
Steven sighed and did as asked, his grip on me not loosening. “You’re really lucky you’re my mate,” he grumbled.
Slowly, the dizziness passed, and my sight returned to normal. But I remained in his arms a little longer than I needed to, savoring the moment of obedience so rarely shown.
“Still dizzy?” he asked suspiciously.
“Yes,” I lied, wobbling a little. “Just stay still.”
Steven’s patience snapped then, and he stooped down without warning and swung me into his arms.
“What-what are you doing, Steven?” I stuttered, too startled by the suddenness of his movement.
He scooped me up and strode away without listening to my protests. “Enough of this act,” he said, placing me on a nearby bench.
“Are you still dizzy?” he asked, staring at me again with those piercing eyes.
“No,” I replied hastily, shaking my head.
Steven laughed then; his smug smirk was infuriating.
“You faked dizziness just to stay close to me, didn’t you?” he asked me now.
I scowled. “You’re evil.”
“That sounds like a compliment,” he said with a shrug. He stood, brushing imaginary dust off his shirt. “It’s getting dark. Let’s go home.”
“No way,” I said, jumping up. “I haven’t had this much fun in forever. And my night isn’t complete without a bottle of tequila.”
Steven followed my gaze to an eatery across the street, its warm lights glowing invitingly. “There’s a place right there,” I said, pointing.
“Ashley…” he began, his voice warning.
“Please,” I pleaded, clasping my hands together for effect. “Let’s just go grab a drink, and then I promise we’ll go home.”
He sighed again, muttering something under his breath about regretting this, but eventually, he relented.
We strolled inside the food spot, and I ordered two bottles of tequila. I sat one in front of him, smiling. “One for you, one for me.”
“I don’t drink,” he responded bluntly.
“Why?” I teased. “Tequila’s got you scared?”
Steven clenched his jaw then picked up the bottle in front of him and took a swig that would drain a fishbowl. Lilit
“Damn,” I exclaimed as my eyes widen in disbelief. “You are tough for a nerd.”
But before I could say more, his head slumped onto the table.
“Steven!” I cried, shaking him.
He jerked upright, his smile lopsided. “I’m awake,” he slurred, swaying slightly.
“Are you… drunk?” I asked incredulously.
“Who said I’m drunk?” he replied, his words dragging. He reached for my bottle and emptied it, too.
“Oh, come on, Steven!” I groaned. “I should’ve just listened to you. Let’s get you home.”
He leaned heavily against me as I helped him to the car, struggling under his weight. “You’re… much heavier… than I expected,” I muttered, dragging him into the passenger seat.
I climbed into the driver’s seat, my hands grasping the wheel tightly while my vision blurred. “Focus, Ashley,” I whispered.
I don’t know how, but I managed to get us all the way to the mansion, and the guards helped me tote Steven upstairs before laying him onto his bed.
“Who’d have thought it, huh?” I said loudly, “Tequila knocking out the great Alpha?”
In one swift motion, just as I reached for my nightwear, Steven sprang up from bed.
“I thought you were asleep!” I cried out, grabbing my shirt over my chest.
“I’m not drunk,” he said, his eyes glassy but focused on me.
“Yeah, sure,” I scoffed. “Go to bed, Steven.”
But in another second, he was behind me, his arms snaking around my waist.
“Steven!” I gasped, my voice trembling.
“You’re beautiful,” he whispered, his breath hot against my neck.
“That’s the tequila talking,” I replied, trying to wriggle free.
His grasp had grown tighter, his lips nibbling at my skin. “I want you,” he whispered.
“Steven, no,” I pleaded. My voice shattered. “You promised you would not touch me.”
But now the obsession took him where all that I could hear was the sound of his labored breathing.
Maya’s POV
I was chained against the cold, unyielding wall, staring at nothing but a sea of emptiness. My body had healed from the wounds Steven had inflicted upon me, but my strength was far from returning. I was helpless to try and escape alone.
Suddenly, the clash of swords and muffled screams echoed through the door. My heart jumped as the heavy door swung open and revealed a figure shrouded by the shadows.
He was here.
The Demon Wolf had come to save me.