Chapter 156 Chapter 156

Chapter 156 Chapter 156
RESTLESS

EZEKIEL’S POV

I slammed the door of my chamber harder than I intended and stood in the middle of the room, breathing hard.

The image of the mark on Tiana’s neck would not leave me. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw it again and again.

The way her face had crumpled when I asked who had done it. The way her voice had broken when she admitted it was someone else.

“Someone else.” I snarled as heat surged through me instantly.

Someone had put their teeth on her. Someone had left a claim on the skin that my blood already recognized as ours.

The thought was not a thought at all. It was a hunt I so much desired to go out for.

My fangs lengthened, and a low growl vibrated through my chest, the sound a lycan makes when the world has taken something that belongs to him.

I slammed my fist into the wall again and again, until my skin split and the scent of my own blood filled the chamber.

However, it did nothing to quiet the thing inside me.

I wanted Tiana’s throat under my hand so I could scent every inch of that mark and decide whether to cover it or destroy the one who made it.

I wanted to drag her back here, lock the door, and punish her so much that she won't even recognize herself.

I began to pace around the room, my lycan restless and furious within me.

He wanted answers. He wanted blood. He wanted to go back to the river, grab Tiana, and demand the full truth until there was nothing left hidden between us.

But the man in me was colder. More controlled, and more hurt.

I had trusted her. I had given her pieces of myself I had never given anyone. I had imagined a future where the three of us stood beside her without fear or secrets. And now that future felt destroyed.

Should I tell Ethan and Ezra?

The question circled in my mind like a hungry predator. If I told them, they would feel the same betrayal I felt.

They might confront her. They might pull away from her the way I had. Or worse, they might forgive her too easily, and I would be left alone in my anger.

But if I keep it to myself, the secret would eat at me. Every time I looked at her, I would see the mark.

Every time she smiled, I would wonder what else she was hiding.

I dragged both hands through my hair and let out a low growl. My lycan snarled in response, pacing behind my ribs, and demanding action I was not ready to take.

I forced my claws to retract, one painful inch at a time, until only my human hands remained.

Suddenly, a sharp knock echoed in the room, interrupting my thoughts.

“Come in,” I said with a rough voice, gazing at the door.

A young guard stepped inside and bowed his head immediately. “Alpha heir, your father requests your presence in the throne room.”

I stared at him for a second, then nodded slowly. “I’ll be there.”

Without another word, the guard bowed his head again and walked out through the door, leaving me alone in the room once again.

I waited for a few minutes before deciding to answer my father's call.

The walk to the throne room felt longer than usual.

My mind was still at the river. My body was still tense with the memory of being inside Tiana when I discovered the mark.

By the time I reached the heavy double doors, I had forced my expression into something neutral.

The guards opened the doors, and I found the Elders standing along the sides of the room.

My father sat on the raised seat, looking every bit the Alpha he was, while Ethan and Ezra stood near the base of the steps. Both of them turned as soon as I entered.

I bowed formally. “Father.”

“Ezekiel,” Father called slowly, “Come forward.”

I walked closer and stopped beside my brothers. I could feel their eyes on me, but I kept my gaze on our father.

“How is the practice going with Tiana?” he asked. “The competition is only a few days away. I want to know if she is ready.”

The question hit harder than it should have—practice, the river, her body under mine, and the mark on her neck.

I tightened my jaw in anger. “It’s… progressing,” I blurted.

Father raised his brows slightly. “That does not sound encouraging. What exactly do you mean?”

I felt Ethan and Ezra shift beside me. I forced a smile onto my face and straightened my shoulders.

“I mean she is good,” I said more carefully. “She has improved a great deal. I believe she will meet the tasks required of her. She is determined and strong. You do not need to worry.”

My father studied me for a long moment, then nodded. “That is what I wanted to hear. You have always been thorough. I trust your judgment.”

I gulped and nodded as well, even though I didn't want to.

Father waved a hand and continued. “You may go and rest. You must be tired after the practice.”

“Thank you, Father.” I blurted with a bow and glanced at my brothers again.

Both of them were still watching me closely.

Ethan’s expression was thoughtful. Ezra’s was sharper, as if he already sensed something was wrong.

I walked out of the throne room without another word, while the guards closed the doors behind me.

I had only taken a few steps down the corridor when a familiar voice stopped me on my tracks.

“Is everything alright, Ezekiel...?”

There's only one person who addresses me that way, and that's when he sensed that I was troubled.

I turned swiftly and found Ethan and Ezra walking toward me, their eyes locked on my face.