Chapter 61: "I Want You"

Connor’s breath hitched, his wolf clawing at his skin, demanding he rip the smirk off Lila’s face. But he held himself back—just barely. He had learned long ago that Lila thrived on control and manipulation. If he let his rage get the best of him, she’d only enjoy it.

Instead, he stepped forward slowly, his voice eerily calm. “You’re going to tell me everything you know.”

Lila cocked her head, her lips curling. “And if I don’t?”

Connor didn’t answer. He didn’t need to. The air in the room thickened, his power pressing against her like a suffocating wave.

Her smirk wavered, but she held her ground.

“Tell me what you know, Lila,” he repeated, softer this time, almost dangerous in its quietness.

She let out a dramatic sigh, flicking invisible dust off her sleeve. “Fine. But if I talk, I want something in return.”

Connor’s hands curled into fists. “You’re in no position to bargain.”

“Oh, but I am,” she purred. “Because while you and your Mr Leo have been running in circles, I’ve been paying attention. And I happen to know exactly where Ivy is.”

Connor’s pulse pounded in his ears. He lunged, grabbing her wrist in a crushing grip. “Where. Is. She?”

Lila winced but didn’t cower. Instead, her eyes gleamed with satisfaction. “Not so fast, Alpha.” She leaned in, her voice dropping to a whisper. “First, my deal.”

Connor forced himself to breathe through his fury. “What do you want?”

Lila’s smile widened. “You.”

His stomach twisted with disgust. “Not a chance.”

“Oh, relax,” she giggled, tracing a slow circle on his chest. “I don’t mean all of you… unless, of course, you’d like to reconsider?”

Connor growled, and she sighed in fake disappointment. “Alright, alright. I'll tell you what I know first. Our deal will come afterwards.”

Lila's POV

I had spent weeks if not months playing low, crafting the perfect plan, waiting for the moment to take everything from Aria—her life, her power, and even the man she desired. There was no harm in twin sisters sharing, be it by force or death.  

Now, the moment was here.  

Connor stood in front of me, eyes burning with barely restrained fury. “What do you want?” he demanded.  

I let out a soft chuckle, tilting my head. “You.”  

His patience snapped.

I crossed my arms, watching the anger boil beneath Connor’s surface. I could feel his wolf clawing to break free, his desperation curling around me like smoke. Good. He was right where I wanted him.

“I don't have all day, Lila,” he growled angrily.

“I lied,” I admitted, my voice smooth and unfazed. “When I said I hadn’t seen Ivy in a week.”  

Connor’s eyes narrowed dangerously.

“I was following her,” I continued, my lips curving into something unreadable. “Not because I wanted to hurt her, I just wanted to talk. But then, I saw what happened.”  

His entire body tensed. “What the hell did you see?”  

“She was taken,” I said, my tone almost lazy, as if I was discussing the weather. “Some masked men—three or four of them. They looked like mafia members or drug dealers. Big, brutal. The kind of men who don’t hesitate before pulling the trigger.”  

Connor’s breathing turned sharp, his muscles locking in place as the last words left my lips. He seemed to be in deep thoughts, as though he was trying to solve a puzzle.

“I saw them grab her,” I went on, ignoring the hard expression on his face, my voice softer now, almost teasing. “She didn’t even have time to fight back before they stuffed her into a black SUV and drove off.”  

In a blink, Connor was on me, his grip like iron as he grabbed my wrist forcefully. “And you didn’t think it fit to tell anyone?” he growled, his face inches from mine.  

Tell anyone? I thought to myself, my eyes glinting with something dark, but I suppressed it. Like hell. If they killed her, that would be the happiest moment of my life.

I scoffed, yanking my arm slightly but making no real effort to pull away. “Would anyone have believed me?” I challenged, tilting my chin up. “You all would think I had a hand in it.”  

His grip tightened, his jaw clenching so hard I thought it might snap.  

“I followed them discreetly. So I know where they are keeping her hostage,” I added after a brief pause.

His eyes flickered with a dangerous mix of hope and fury. “Then tell me.”  

I smirked, leaning in just enough for him to feel my breath against his skin. “I will… but on one condition.”  

Connor’s patience was razor-thin. “What's your condition?”  

I dragged a finger down his chest, enjoying the way his body tensed beneath my touch. “Just one hot night with you.”  

The room turned ice-cold.  

Connor’s silence stretched between us, thick with tension, rage, and something far darker.  

I smiled. “Take it or leave it.”

Connor’s teeth clenched, his body rigid with fury. “You’re bluffing.”  

I arched my brow. “Am I?”  

His hand shot out, grabbing my chin, forcing me to meet his burning gaze. “Tell me where Ivy is, or you’ll pay dearly for this.”  

I only smirked, unfazed by his threats. “I won’t say a word until you give me what I want.” I trailed a finger down his chest, my voice turning sultry. “It’s not like it’s something new… We’ve done it before. Over and over and over again. Remember?”  

Connor’s grip tightened for a second before he shoved me back.  

“One last night—how bad could it be?” I teased, eyes glinting with amusement.  

He was breathing hard, his jaw working as if he was warring with himself. I delighted in the flicker of hesitation, the way his hands curled into fists. I knew how to play him, how to push him to the edge.  

But then—  

His hands were on me in an instant, but not in the way I expected. In a blur, he spun me, shoving me hard against the wall, his body caging me in.  

“Never again,” he growled.  

The dominance in his voice sent a chill through me, but I refused to let it show.  

Connor’s breath was hot against my ear. “The moment I saw Ivy again after all these years, I swore I’d never touch you again. And the heavens help me, Lila—I would rather slit your throat right here than let you twist me into your games again.” His voice was pure venom. “So you better take me to where she is.”  

I froze.  

How? How did that not work?  

I had played this game before—used my body, my words, my tricks—to keep him wrapped around my fingers. And yet, even with Ivy’s life on the line, he wouldn’t break? Wouldn’t cave, even now?  

No. That was unacceptable. I refuse to lose.  

I had already perfected this plan in my head. The key was simple: get him to sleep with me just one more time. Then, I’d have my leverage—a little secret to dangle over his head. If he dared defy me, I’d whisper the truth into Ivy’s ear, shattering any hope he had of getting her back.  

But now… that plan was teetering on a crumbling edge.

In a desperate resolve, I swirled around and crashed my lips onto his.  

Connor went still.  

For a fraction of a second, I thought I had him—thought I could pull him back under my spell.  

Then—pain.  

Searing, ripping pain tore through my cheek.  

I stumbled back, clutching my face, blood trickling between my fingers. My breath hitched as my eyes darted up, meeting Connor’s. His were dark, hazed with unrestrained fury.  

Then I saw it.  

His claws—stained with my blood.

A sharp pain coiled in my stomach, but the fury burned hotter.

Right then and there, I made a vow to any god willing to listen.

I would kill Aria.

I would erase her from existence until she was nothing more than a fading whisper, a distorted memory in the minds of everyone who ever knew her.

Connor exhaled sharply, his gaze unfocused for a brief moment. Mindlinking someone.  

Pain flickered through me, but I swallowed it down. I will have my revenge.

Then, without another word, he grabbed my wrist and dragged me toward the door.  

“You will take me to where my mate is,” he growled, his voice like thunder. “Dead or alive.”