23

Everything became hazy. The entire place was filled with two powerful scents, overpowering my senses with dominant Alpha pheromones. I started to lose control of my body, desperately gasping for a breath of air. Without my wolf, those pheromones acted like poison in my system.

I made an attempt to approach Edward, but two strong arms wrapped around my waist, preventing me from doing so. Through the haze, I caught a glimpse of Edward's concerned face, also trying to reach me.

In horror, I watched as Zen transformed into his wolf form and forcefully pinned Edward to the ground. Edward struggled beneath Zen's massive wolf while I desperately tried to break free from Alex's grip.

Alex leaned close to my ear and whispered, "Sleep well, basilinna."

My eyes widened in terror as I realized Alex had intentionally released a large amount of pheromones, suffocating me. Struggling for air, I felt my muscles weaken. My body collapsed into Alex's arms as I slipped into unconsciousness.

I woke up to a beautiful ceiling adorned with Renaissance artwork. I slowly rose from the bed and tried to remember where I was. Looking around the room, I noticed the sophisticated decoration and expensive furniture.

As a sharp pain shot through the back of my head, I winced and rubbed my temples. Suddenly, my memories came flooding back. I remembered being captured by Zen and Alex, along with Edward, before losing consciousness.

I quickly got out of bed and walked over to the window. Pulling back the embroidered white silk curtains, I looked outside and recognized the place immediately.

I knew every corner of that location, the streets, the downtown area, and everything within my sight. Overwhelmed and exhausted, I fell to my knees, trying to comprehend the situation.

Finally, it all made sense. Zen and Alex had brought me back to my pack, and I was now standing in a room on the top floor of the packhouse.

I heard the door being unlocked, so I grabbed a metal vase from the small table near the window. Holding it tightly against my chest, I prepared to attack the person behind me.

"Ella," a familiar voice called my name, and I quickly stood up and turned around, letting out a war cry and striking the person with the vase.

My eyes widened in terror as a strong hand grabbed my wrist, effortlessly stopping my attack.

"Aw! Relax," Alex said sarcastically, towering over me with his tall figure. "It may not break my skull, but it's gonna break my heart, you know."

"Where is Ed? What have you done to him?" I asked, infusing as much venom as I could into my tone. My eyes burned with rage, ready to fight any battle to save my beloved.

A mischievous smile formed on Alex's face, indicating that I had said something entertaining. He calmly took the vase from my hand and placed it on the table. His unusual composure caused a slight tremble in my body.

I didn't resist, knowing that no vase could harm an Alpha. Alex maintained his grip on my hand and gazed at me briefly before guiding me towards the large bed.

Alex gestured for me to sit, and I followed his instructions silently. If I wanted to learn about Edward, I couldn't afford to anger Alex.

"You are still quite feisty," Alex said calmly, standing before me as my eyes met his perfectly sculpted abs.

"My husband-" I began to inquire about Edward once more, but Alex placed his slender fingers over my lips. I paused, confused by this sudden gesture. His nails were as beautiful and clear as glass.

"Husband," Alex muttered, his voice sending a shiver down my spine. Even without meeting his gaze, I could feel his intense stare scanning my body.

"What do you want from me? Where is Edward? Please don't harm him. Allow me to see him once," I pleaded, raising my gaze.

"Don't call out his name with such passion. It motivates me to skin him alive," Alex said, wearing a sarcastic smile.

Nevertheless, Alex's words did not come across as a joke to me. I was taken aback, as I suddenly comprehended that it could be a genuine possibility for him.

"Don't pretend like you care about my marriage. Just get to the point already. Why did you bring me here? You have no reason to hurt Edward. Let him go," I said in a serious tone.

Alex seemed unaffected by my words. After a moment of silence, he suddenly burst into laughter, running his fingers through his hair.

"You never fail to amuse me, Ella," Alex said, giving me a charming smile.

"You didn't bring me back just to mate with me, did you?" I asked, standing up from the bed and keeping my eyes on Alex. "If that was your intention, you could have done it years ago when I escaped this pack. Besides, I doubt both of you would join forces to claim the same woman."

"How perceptive," Alex said, leaning closer to me. "No wonder you have managed to hide so well all these years."

"Let's not prolong this any further," I said, changing my tone. If I wanted to save Edward, I had to negotiate with at least one of them. "It's been a long time, and I know you have moved on from me. However, if you brought me here to reflect on my past actions, I will do that. But Edward has nothing to do with us wolves. Set him free, okay?"

My words ignited the situation further, like adding fuel to the fire. Alex's expression changed drastically, resembling dark storm clouds gathering over his face. His hands transformed into claws as he forcefully grabbed my shoulders, causing me to wince in pain.

"So, you want to reflect?" Alex asked in an icy tone. "Let's see if you are true to your words." Saying this, Alex pushed me back onto the bed and slowly positioned himself on top of me.